Features (1071)
Domeier’s 8th-graders find novel enlightening
LEARNING EXPERIENCE — Among NRHEG 8th-graders who read the novel, “The Revealers,” included, from left, Bayli Possin, Nicole Edon, Aaron Seath, Abby Wacholz, Torrie Stenzel, Brody Hansen and instructor Mark Domeier. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Bullying is an issue that sometimes gets overlooked, especially in school. Sure, teachers or parents who witness bullying will step in and stop it. But what about the bullying that happens when adults aren’t around, such as outside of school or on the Internet? What happens to the kids who are being bullied and feel as if they can’t do anything to stop it? How does it feel to be bullied?
More and more adults are becoming aware that bullying is a serious issue. It’s more than just “kids being kids.” Bullying hurts, physically and emotionally, and people are reaching out to students and teachers to teach them about bullying and, hopefully, help prevent it.
Mark Domeier’s NRHEG eighth-grade class recently finished reading The Revealers, a book about bullying. Six students were interviewed about the book and bullying itself, and their answers proved to be interesting and will hopefully help gain an insight on what the issue is really like.
George, Faye Dettman still appreciate one another
SECOND TIME WAS THE CHARM — In what was a second marriage for both, Faye and George Dettman have enjoyed 50 years of wedded bliss. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
And while that may not be the case with George and Faye Dettman, there are some indications this might figure into their chance meeting and subsequent marriage.
It was some 50 years ago that George ordered a steak, done rare, in a restaurant in Cando, North Dakota where Faye was working. When she saw the order she immediately came out of the kitchen to see who ordered their steak rare. Evidently she liked what she saw and he liked how she prepared his steak because they were later married in Havre, Montana back on September 12, 1960.
It was a second marriage for both of them. George’s first wife died when she was 26 from kidney cancer. They were the parents of three boys, Robert, Randy and Ronnie. Faye had two children, Dennis and Becky. Their family of yours, mine and ours included two children together, Roger and Roberta — one big, busy family that kept Faye home and busy as a full-time mother. They took family vacations "out west" and even slipped away for a vacation "without the kids" one time by letting them visit and stay with relatives along the way.
George is a man of many interests and experiences and though he recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, he still keeps busy working at Gopher Stop North in Ellendale. It was something he started doing some years ago when he and Faye occupied the house just behind the food and fuel complex owned by Lyle Wayne.
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME — After seven decades of give and take, Harlan and Leah Berg’s love for one another is as strong as ever. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Oblivious to the cumulus clouds forming outside, Leah Routh scurried all about the house preparing for her New Richland Dairy Days date. Of course the butterflies were a raging for this soon-to-arrive escort dressed in green. And, believe it or not, those winged creatures are still at work 76 years later.
Now wedded for a whopping 72 years, Harlan and Leah Berg look back at that rainy date and do one thing. They smile.
"When you get married, it's for always," Leah said. "Those were the only words my mother said to me when I told her about the engagement."
Tying the knot at ages 18 and 20, they had to do what married couples must. They learned to give and take.
"We started out with nothing," Leah said. "Nowadays when kids get married, they want to start out with everything, not just a little bit."
As both Leah and Harlan's upbringing took place on a farm, they knew what hard work was. And they wanted all nine of their children to carry on that legacy.
Mother Nature wins this year
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
For the first time in memory, local sportsmen’s groups have had to call off their annual fishing contests. It was deemed the ice on both Beaver and St. Olaf Lakes is not consistent enough to host the fishing derbies.
“You can have 12 or 14 inches in one place,” said a local angler. “You go 10 or 20 feet away and only have six to eight inches. It’s just one of those years.”
Ellendale-Geneva Sportsmen’s Club representative Cindi Bartness decided to cancel their contest which was slated to start at noon Sunday. The ice golf and polar plunges are going on as planned.
“The access to the lake isn’t in very good shape,” said Bartness. “We still want people to come out and either participate or watch the polar plunge. It will be situated so folks can remain on shore to watch and cheer on the plungers.”
The warm nights and warmer-than-average days have resulted in less-than-perfect ice conditions on many Minnesota lakes. Various county sheriff water rescue units have kept busy pulling people and/or vehicles out of the water.
In Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources issues permits for fishing contests. If they say the ice isn’t safe or adequate, you don’t have a contest. Likewise, sheriffs in their respective counties can also put the kibosh on a fishing contest by denying access to the lake. This year Waseca County Sheriff Brad Milbrath has put up signs on Waseca’s Clear Lake warning anglers of thin ice.
The New Richland Area Sportsmen followed the lead of their Ellendale-Geneva counterparts and also decided not to have their fishing contest.
“This is the first time in a long time where we have not been able to have our contest,” said Lee Mendenhall of the New Richland Sportsmen. “Several years ago, we had a big rain and we had the event at the American Legion. There was so much water on the ice, we couldn’t have the contest. Basically, we just drew the names for the merchandise prizes.”
As of this writing, it is unknown as to what the clubs will do about the tickets for the events which have been sold.
The public is still invited to come out to Beaver Lake at 2 p.m. on Sunday to watch the Polar Plunge sponsored by the Ellendale-Geneva Sportsmen. Proceeds will go towards cancer research.
The New Richland Sportsmen will be having a fish fry on Friday, February 24 at the New Richland City Hall.
New Richland Care Center has received a high ranking of five stars overall in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Nursing Homes, released Monday. U.S. News’s Best Nursing Homes recognizes top-rated homes in all 50 states and offers important guidance to families and healthcare providers caring for people in need of a nursing home.
“More than 3 million Americans will spend part of 2012 in a nursing home, and trying to decide under pressure which one is best isn’t easy,” says Avery Comarow, Health Rankings Editor. “Top-rated nursing homes are worth considering and deserve special recognition.”
U.S. News’s evaluation of nursing homes is based on data from Nursing Home Compare, a consumer website run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The government agency sets and enforces standards for nursing homes (defined as facilities or portions of facilities enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid that provide 24-hour nursing care and other medical services). Homes earn an overall rating of one to five stars, as well as up to five stars in each of three underlying categories: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care. U.S. News updates each nursing home’s ratings data quarterly.
Of more than 15,500 homes rated and profiled on the U.S. News website, New Richland Care Center, was among the fewer than 1 in 8 that received a five-star overall rating in all four quarters of 2011.
“I am just so proud of my team!,” said NRCC Administrator Mikenzi Hebel. “They are amazing people. We will never stop working our hardest to provide our residents with the best quality of life possible. Our team is really like a family unit,” said NRCC Administrator Mikenzi Hebel. “We have honesty, trust, and accountability with each other. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team as well as a part of a community that has such a wonderful support system of our Care Center. Thank you for the recognition! Our residents mean the world to us and their quality of care is our number one priority.”
Using the search tools available at http://health.usnews.com/senior-housing, consumers can identify homes in their state, city or zip code, tailor their search to see only non-profit homes or those that accept Medicaid insurance, or in other ways find the best fit.
To learn more about New Richland Care Center you can find them on line at www.newrichlandcarecenter.com or can stop in at: 12 1st St NE, New Richland.
As the Sleigh and Cutter festival draws near, you could win some cold, hard cash.
Up to $1,250 is waiting to be won. Someone in Waseca County has been chosen to be “Frosty,” an ambassador for the festival. All you need to do is follow the clues and try to guess who Frosty is. Even if you don’t know everyone, by following the clues you may gather enough information to win some big money. Possible tools that may help you cash in are the internet, Google, dictionaries and the love of puzzles.
Culligan Water Conditioning of Waseca has been a long-time supporter of the Frosty contest. Additional sponsors are Latham Place of Waseca, iWealth, Domino’s Pizza and Mediacom. The grand prize is $250 in cash, to the person who can identify Frosty and is determined to be the Grand Prize winner by the judges. If you are determined the winner and are present during the unmasking of Frosty at 9:30 p.m. during the Sleigh and Cutter Dance at the VFW in Waseca, you will get a $50 cash bonus from Culligan of Waseca. That is a total of $300.
Again this year: $100 to the first person from Janesville, the first person from New Richland and the first person from Waseca who correctly guesses Frosty and submits their entry in their respective towns. (See where to drop off your entries under Rule No. 9) Judges decision is final.
Here’s how the contest works:
1) Through February 8, a new clue will be published in the Waseca County News each Wednesday as well as in the NRHEG Star Eagle. Clues will also be available at the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and at www.wasecacountynews.com and on the Waseca County News Facebook page. KOWZ/KRUE Radio will also broadcast the clues.
2) Each contestant is allowed only one guess per week.
3) Contestant must be 18 years of age.
4) Contestant must live in Waseca County.
5) If more than one entrant guesses Frosty’s identity, a drawing from all of the correct entries will be held during the unveiling of Frosty on February 10. Four names will be drawn for $50 each and the winner must be present during the unmasking to win. Four more names will be drawn for $50 each and the winners need not be present to win these. This is a total of eight $50 winners.
6) If there are no correct entries, a drawing will be held from all entries received.
7) Entries must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Februrary 10.
8) The decision of the judges will be final.
9) To enter your guess, if you live in Waseca: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon, 110 South State St., or drop it off in person during business hours. If you live in Janesville: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon or drop it off in person during business hours and mark the ballot, “Janesville.” If you live in New Richland, your entry can be dropped off at the office of the Star Eagle during business hours.
The first clue:
The time has come to seek me out, the hints I’ll give should help you out.
Three more clues will come your way, so waste no time and start today.
I was born and raised in Waseca town, but I have lived all around.
A few small towns have been my home, but across the border I also roamed.
I’ve done some coaching in my years, basketball, track and softball, lots of cheers.
One more clue, my age you ask, I was born before 1960 had passed.
The second clue:
I come from a larger family as you will soon see, where there is a mom a dad, five siblings and and me.
There were more girls than boys in our family nest, now put on your thinking caps and figure the rest.
You may be wondering if I am a boy or a girl, just start your guessing and give it a whirl.
While attending college I met the perfect catch, a friend introduced us and thought we were a good match.
Now more than 30 years later and kids of my own, I'm busy as ever, this is well known.
The third clue:
Now if you're still wondering who I could be, maybe you’ll get it with clue number 3.
A Scarlet, a Bluejay, a Maverick and more, the places I've been have opened the door.
Two boys have left and one is at home, the halls of Waseca is where I now Roam.
The hunt is over for the 2012 Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter medallion.
The medallion was found in a hollowed out crook in a tree at Clear Lake Park in Waseca by Katie Shifflett and her daughter, Michaela on the evening of Wednesday, February 1.
The prize will be awarded on Fri., Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. at the VFW in Waseca.
NRHEG cheer team crowned academic state champion
SUCCESS AT STATE — The NRHEG High School competition cheer team finished third on the floor and were crowned academic state champions in Saturday’s state competition at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. Front from left: Brenna Hagen, Kiley Beenken, Lexi Wayne, Tiara Robran, Brina Bergland, Miss Minnesota and Michaela Hansen. Back: Jadyn Nelson- Spies, Hannah Lewison, Tara Simon, Emmy Hobbs, Hailey Johnson, Stormi Hagen, Harlee Voukon, Dana Jensen, Maddy Schierjohann and Presley Johnson. Missing is Hannah Light. (Submitted photo)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
After countless hours of practice, practice, practice, it all came down to one routine for the NRHEG High School competition cheer team.
They nailed it.
But, more importantly, they aced it where it counts most: the classroom.
Their routine was good for third place for the defending champions, who competed against much larger schools in Saturday’s State Cheerleading competition at Roy Wilkins Arena in St. Paul.
But that was just the start.
The Panthers were recognized as not only the regional academic champions, but posted the highest grade point average of any cheer team in the state.
“It was better than any first-place trophy,” said coach Kari Buendorf. “This is quite exciting as it shows that not only on the sidelines and on the competition floor do these girls have determination, but also in the classroom.”
NRCC’s Vivian Roesler has treasure trove of memories
STITCHED TOGETHER — New Richland Care Center resident Vivian Roesler finds strength in the arms of the Lord and prays her family knows that comfort as well. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Tucked away in one of the cozy wings of New Richland Care Center is a sharp lady ready to follow the Lord’s lead whenever He calls.
It doesn’t matter whatever life dishes out, Vivian Roesler knows He will provide the strength to trek through.
“I’ve known Vivian for many years,” said New Richland Care Center Activities Director Kathy Flor. “She is a very nice lady. She’s very knowledgeable, fun to visit with and is a Christian lady.”
A resident here since May, she has become enamored with the building’s pleasant atmosphere. More specifically, these last nine months spent at the care center has helped her to feel so much better.
“I have a tendency to be a jolly person,” Vivian said. “I like to smile and laugh a little bit.”
More often than not, staff and fellow residents will find her reclining in the chair with a book in hand. Currently, she has her nose in a book written by Beverly Lewis.
“Paradise Valley is a lot about the Amish people,” Vivian said. It’s very interesting.”
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met January 26 with Mayor Engel and all council members present. Also attending the meeting was City Attorney Phil Kohl, Clerk Louks and Gwen Reiss, Municipal Liquor Store Consultant.
Mayor Engel opened the public hearing for the purpose of discussing the Anti-Blight Ordinance. The council along with Attorney Kohl have been working on putting together an ordinance that helps the city dictate where a sexually oriented business would be located. As stated in the ordinance, the city is trying to control, through zoning regulations, certain land uses that have a direct and detrimental effect on the character of the city’s residential and commercial neighborhoods. Attorney Kohl answered any questions the council had about the ordinance. With no one from the general public at the hearing, Mayor Engel closed the hearing at 7:20 p.m.
Mayor Engel opened the regular council meeting at 7:30 p.m. The council approved the amended agenda for the evening.
The first item the council reviewed was the Anti-Blight Ordinance. Having held the public hearing prior to the meeting, the council moved to adopt the Anti-Blight Ordinance 01-26-12-01. The council next approved an ordinance that would amend part of the city’s zoning ordinance. The council amended three parts of Ordinance 80. The council next approved the summary of the Anti-Blight Ordinance. The city will post in its entirety the Anti-Blight Ordinance in the Community Building.
More...
PROUD CHAMPION — Lillian Bell was all smiles after winning the annual NRHEG Spelling Bee last Wednesday. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Every year, 24 fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth-graders compete for the title of NRHEG Spelling Bee champion.
The Ellendale gym was filled with elementary and middle school students, parents and teachers, judges Anne Feist and Geoff Stieglebauer, and announcer Mark Domeier for this year’s event Wednesday, Jan. 25.
This year’s spellers were impressive, with the majority spelling words correctly in the first few rounds. In the first round, only one contestant misspelled a word, leaving 23 students to go onto round two. In the second round, two more students dropped out.
It was obvious after the first two rounds that everyone would be there for a while. The words weren’t too challenging, and the kids were hanging in quite well. After about 45 minutes, about half of the kids who were participating were now warming the bleachers on the side, becoming only spectators.
Arson suspected; Community Night Out Saturday
Written by Jim LutgensArson suspected in Ellendale fires
Sometime last Wednesday, Jan. 25, several large black and orange signs were posted on the outside of the home at 403 5th Ave. West (or Hwy. 30), stating that arson is suspected and listing a hotline number and reward up to $2,500 for information leading to identification of those responsible for the fires.
According to Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele, the signs were not posted by his department but could have been posted by an insurance company.
Investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Steele County Sheriff’s Department.
The home is owned by Mark and Sara Misgen.
PTO Community Night Out Saturday
Tickets are still available for the inaugural PTO Community Night Out taking place Saturday, Feb. 4. at the Ellendale School.
Festivities get underway with social hour from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 and a live auction will follow at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased for only $15 per person at various locations around the NRHEG communities.
For those not wishing to have dinner but attend the auction, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
As the Sleigh and Cutter festival draws near, you could win some cold, hard cash.
Up to $1,250 is waiting to be won. Someone in Waseca County has been chosen to be “Frosty,” an ambassador for the festival. All you need to do is follow the clues and try to guess who Frosty is. Even if you don’t know everyone, by following the clues you may gather enough information to win some big money. Possible tools that may help you cash in are the internet, Google, dictionaries and the love of puzzles.
Culligan Water Conditioning of Waseca has been a long-time supporter of the Frosty contest. Additional sponsors are Latham Place of Waseca, iWealth, Domino’s Pizza and Mediacom. The grand prize is $250 in cash, to the person who can identify Frosty and is determined to be the Grand Prize winner by the judges. If you are determined the winner and are present during the unmasking of Frosty at 9:30 p.m. during the Sleigh and Cutter Dance at the VFW in Waseca, you will get a $50 cash bonus from Culligan of Waseca. That is a total of $300.
Again this year: $100 to the first person from Janesville, the first person from New Richland and the first person from Waseca who correctly guesses Frosty and submits their entry in their respective towns. (See where to drop off your entries under Rule No. 9) Judges decision is final.
Here’s how the contest works:
1) Through February 8, a new clue will be published in the Waseca County News each Wednesday as well as in the NRHEG Star Eagle. Clues will also be available at the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and at www.wasecacountynews.com and on the Waseca County News Facebook page. KOWZ/KRUE Radio will also broadcast the clues.
2) Each contestant is allowed only one guess per week.
3) Contestant must be 18 years of age.
4) Contestant must live in Waseca County.
5) If more than one entrant guesses Frosty’s identity, a drawing from all of the correct entries will be held during the unveiling of Frosty on February 10. Four names will be drawn for $50 each and the winner must be present during the unmasking to win. Four more names will be drawn for $50 each and the winners need not be present to win these. This is a total of eight $50 winners.
6) If there are no correct entries, a drawing will be held from all entries received.
7) Entries must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Februrary 10.
8) The decision of the judges will be final.
9) To enter your guess, if you live in Waseca: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon, 110 South State St., or drop it off in person during business hours. If you live in Janesville: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon or drop it off in person during business hours and mark the ballot, “Janesville.” If you live in New Richland, your entry can be dropped off at the office of the Star Eagle during business hours.
The first clue:
The time has come to seek me out, the hints I’ll give should help you out.
Three more clues will come your way, so waste no time and start today.
I was born and raised in Waseca town, but I have lived all around.
A few small towns have been my home, but across the border I also roamed.
I’ve done some coaching in my years, basketball, track and softball, lots of cheers.
One more clue, my age you ask, I was born before 1960 had passed.
The second clue:
I come from a larger family as you will soon see, where there is a mom a dad, five siblings and and me.
There were more girls than boys in our family nest, now put on your thinking caps and figure the rest.
You may be wondering if I am a boy or a girl, just start your guessing and give it a whirl.
While attending college I met the perfect catch, a friend introduced us and thought we were a good match.
Now more than 30 years later and kids of my own, I'm busy as ever, this is well known.
The third clue:
Now if you're still wondering who I could be, maybe you’ll get it with clue number 3.
A Scarlet, a Bluejay, a Maverick and more, the places I've been have opened the door.
Two boys have left and one is at home, the halls of Waseca is where I now Roam.
Sleigh and Cutter medallion hunt begins
It’s time to begin the 2012 Sleigh and Cutter medallion hunt.
The medallion is hidden outdoors, on public property, within the Waseca city limits. A prize of $1,250 in Chamber dollars will be awarded to the person who finds the medallion. Clues will be published each week in the NRHEG Star Eagle and Waseca Area Shopper, and announced on KOWZ/KRUE Radio.
Clue No. 1:
It may be hard to find redemption for a crook from the court.
Two where three should be might pardon an outlaw from the gallows.
Clue No. 2:
An unfilled cavity can result in an abscess.
Recognizing some forms of depression may require a pick-me-up.
Clue No. 3:
Yards of colliers, bricks and maul lead to ambitious excavation.
After completing the masterpiece, perhaps the creator felt compelled to take a bough.
Day set aside to remind students school should be ‘safe, welcoming, comfortable’
CARRYING THE BANNER — NRHEG first-grade students say “Kindness Matters” on Tuesday, January 17th at Ellendale School. From left: Aden Berg, Bree Ihrke, Taya Lembke, Logan Adams, Anton Domeier, Zac Possin, Cody Reistad, Alexus Chambers, Evan Schaefer, Mason Klemmensen, Spencer Swenson, Charles Tipton, Bailey Ihrke, Sidney Schultz, Evan Beckmann, Eva Wayne, Avery Routh, Sawyer Prigge and Gavin Wilkenson. The students are instructed by Jill Boran. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 17 was a “blue” day at Ellendale Elementary.
One normally associates the color blue with sadness, gloom or unhappiness, but students and staff displayed just the opposite as they celebrated “Kindness Matters Because… I Matter” day.
Classrooms and hallways were full of students wearing their blue T-shirts, and blue was even the color of the Jell-O served in the cafeteria at lunchtime.
“Last March a group of school staff got together and formed the Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) group at the school,” said Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. “Ten members make up the committee and meet twice a month to discuss programming for our K-6 elementary school. With the help of that group, as a school we’ve talked about and worked our own school-wide expectations, how to give and get respect, how to handle a bully and how to get help if bullied and that “Kindness Does Matter.”